Patents Examined by Summer Kostelnik
  • Patent number: 8092497
    Abstract: The invention provides an intervertebral implant for the lumbo-sacral joint, the implant comprising a spacer suitable for being disposed between the fifth lumbar vertebra L5 and the vertebra S1 of the sacrum that is articulated to the vertebra L5. The implant comprises a flexible tie having end portions suitable for being fastened to the sacrum with the help of fasteners such as pedicular screws. The flexible tie has an intermediate portion suitable for co-operating with a connection system such as a hook provided on the spacer so that the flexible tie connects the spacer to the sacrum. The flexible tie is put under tension in such a manner as to exert a return force on the spacer towards the vertebra S1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Denis Pasquet, Régis Le Couëdic, Jacques Senegas
  • Patent number: 8075594
    Abstract: A multi-axial rod connector for connecting spinal rods is provided. The rod connector includes a poly-axial rod assembly configured to include a lateral translation mechanism and a fixed hook configured to be rigidly coupled to one end of the poly-axial rod assembly. The fixed hook includes a fixed hook cavity configured to secure a spinal rod. The rod connector also includes a variable hook configured to be rotatably coupled another end of the poly-axial rod. The variable hook includes a variable hook cavity configured to secure another spinal rod. The lateral translation mechanism is configured to change distance between the fixed hook and the variable hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc
    Inventor: Thomas Purcell
  • Patent number: 8066739
    Abstract: A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws includes a pair of independently mountable and manipulatable elongate guide tools that form a unitary tool guide when desired. Each guide tool includes attachment structure for independent operable connection of the guide tool to an arm of the bone screw. The bone screw/guide tool attachment includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist separation of the guide tool member from an attached bone screw. A removable stabilizer cooperating with the pair of guide tools places such tools in a set spaced relation to one another when desired. Further tools include a cooperating bone screw driver with an attached stabilizer, a closure starter/reduction tool, a closure driver and a counter torque tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8066635
    Abstract: A speculum having a generally U-shaped frame with a pair of arms, each arm having a free end, a pair of cups, each cup coupled with the free end of one of the arms, and a pair of surfaces, each surface coupled with one of the cups and having a portion extending upward at an angle from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: THB Precision, LLC
    Inventor: C. Joseph Beck
  • Patent number: 8062368
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments disclosed herein are directed to vertebral implants and methods of use. In one embodiment, the implant includes first and second end members with an intermediate cage. The cage may be inflatable such that the implant is positionable between a collapsed state with a first reduced height to facilitate insertion between the first and second vertebral members, and an extended state with a second height greater than the first height that positions the first end member against the first vertebral member and the second end member against the second vertebral member to maintain an intervertebral axial space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Steven Heinz, William Sears
  • Patent number: 8038701
    Abstract: Provided is a novel uni-planar taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone. The screw is capable of being secured to the underlying bone while the screw head adapted to securely hold a connecting rod is articulated in a uni-directional manner to facilitate a stable connection to the connecting rod. After the screw had been articulated and properly positioned, it can be partially locked such that the connecting rod will remain in relative position to the bone while permitting flexibility of the screw head relative to the bone along a single plane. The screw head can then be fully locked securing the connecting rod into a selected position. The screw is configured for easy insertion and connection as well as easy removal and disconnection from the connecting rod. Also provided is a system for fixing two or more bones or bone fragments and a kit for fixing bones or bone fragments. A method of fixing bones or bone fragments is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Rock, Michael Barrus, Scott A. Jones
  • Patent number: 8007536
    Abstract: A problem with total disc implant surgery appears to be the positioning of the implant which if not correct may lead to pain and eventually new surgery. The present invention relates to an improved disc implant (1) for total disc replacement, comprising two inter-vertebral elements (2) which are flexibly connected via coupling means (4,5). Following surgery, the relative movability of said two inter-vertebral elements is decreased overtime, as bone ingrowth occurring around the implant and specifically through osseointegrative sections gradually degrease the movability of the elements relative to each other. Following, the relative movability of the implant elements is replaced by fixation of the elements. The fixation has flowingly occurred in a position affected by the movement of the patient, and is thereby more acceptable to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: FBC Device ApS
    Inventor: Finn Bjarke Christensen